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The first herb I ever took medicinally, long before I began to study herbalism, was Urtica dioica powder in a capsule. I did not even know it was also called nettles. This was about two years after having three children in three years. I felt ok but had developed a chronic cough and sore throat and my father was worried about me. My health conscious, avid reader father explored alternatives for his own healthcare and had found a chiropractor/pharmacist who he thought I should see. He made the appointment for me and drove me there; waited three hours in the waiting room, and paid for the appointment including purchasing the supplements that were recommended, one of which was nettles. Looking back now I realize how lucky I was to have such a wonderful and concerned father, I also realize that the Urtica dioica was prescribed for restoration of my very depleted triple post pregnancy/childbirth and new mother state of health, as well as the cough. Nettle has long traditional use as a restorative, cleansing, and nutritive powerhouse herb. Also known for its ability to sting as a fresh plant, when dried or cooked the sting is completely deactivated.
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 12muffins | 40minutes |
| Cook Time |
| 30minutes |
|
|
- Nettle tea
- 1 tbsp dried nettle leaf 3 nettle leaf tea bags
- 8 ounces boiling water
- Muffins
- 1 medium to large granny smith apple, peeled, cored and cut into cubes
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 6 ounces nettle tea
- 1 ½ cup organic all-purpose flour
- 1 cup organic granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cacao powder I used Dagoba non-alkaline brand
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 organic egg
- 1/4 cup avocado oil walnut oil may also be used
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Prepare strong nettle tea. Combine dried nettle leaf with 8oz of hot water in French coffee press or other tea infusion vessel. Steep for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease muffin tin.
- In small saucepan combine apple cubes, cinnamon, and nettle tea. Bring to simmer over medium heat, decrease to low heat, cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes until apples are very soft and mushy. Stir to form chunky applesauce. Cool completely.
- In small mixing bowl whisk together flour, sugar, cacao powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- When applesauce has cooled, in large mixing bowl whisk together egg, oil, and vanilla. Add applesauce and stir to combine well.
- Add flour mixture and mix with wooden spoon or rubber spatula until just moistened and barely combined. Do not over mix.
- Fill muffin tins with batter using 1/3 cup measure so that batter fills about ¾ of the pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until toothpick inserted in center muffin comes out clean. Cool in pan for 1 minute and then remove muffins to wire rack to cool completely.
*During the drying process, the sting of nettles is deactivated.
**Using organic ingredients whenever possible will make baked goods all the more nourishing. For these muffins use organic flour, organic sugar, organic eggs, organic apples, organic cocoa powder if available.
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dried nettle leaf
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